On the Third Month, Seventh Day, the sky was clear and the air fresh.
At the mouth of the lane, willow catkins rose in soft clusters, drifting lazily into the air.
Morning sunlight fell on the blue stone paving, warming the night's dew into a gentle haze.
The Small Courtyard at the Wei Residence remained much as it had always been.
Three successive courtyards, a jujube tree, a trellis of vines, and an old well in the corner.
There were few flowers or trees in the courtyard, only several clumps of orchids along the wall and two pots of jasmine before the steps, lush and green, as though washed by last night's wind.
Qin Yan stepped out of his official sedan chair. Without letting his attendant help him, he lifted the hem of his robe and crossed the threshold himself.
"Who are you looking for, sir?" Cui Fu had gone out with Wei Zi, so a young gatekeeper answered the door.
"Sorry for the trouble, but please announce me," Qin Yan said amiably.
"Tell them Qin Yan of the Ministry of Rites has come to visit."
"G-Grand Secretary Qin!" The young gatekeeper jumped in fright, then turned and ran inside.
"Madam! Madam! Grand Secretary Qin is here!"
A moment later, the door to the Main Hall opened.
Fu Niang came out to welcome him.
Today she wore a pale moon-white beizi embroidered with orchids, with only a Plain Silver Hairpin in her hair. She wore no powder or rouge, yet possessed a graceful, gentle bearing all her own.
She walked down the steps, gathered her skirts, and bowed, her voice soft:
"Qin Gong, you are an old friend of my grandfather's, and an elder to both my husband and me.
I failed to come farther out to welcome you. Forgive